David Beckham, Anthony Joshua, Kylie Minogue, Elton John and Jessica Ennis-Hill are among those who feature in two videos that have been created, as part of a huge swell of support pouring in for NHS and social care heroes.

Beatles legend, Sir Paul McCartney, 007 star, Daniel Craig, and King of Grime, Stormzy, are also among those showing solidarity with frontline staff.

They have been shared across NHS England and NHS Improvement Twitter and Facebook accounts as #ThankyouThursday begins to take hold, with Clap for our Carers introducing a weekly round of applause across the country, and Spotify rebranding its Throwback Thursday playlist.

The short films also include clips from NHS leaders, chief nurse, Ruth May, chief people officer, Prerana Issar and national clinical director of primary care, Nikki Kanani, who also express their gratitude to all those hard at work on the frontline against COVID-19.

More celebrity messages will be shared over the coming weeks to show support for healthcare workers.

Introducing the video and thanking the NHS, Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said, “I want to say a very big personal thank you to everyone in the NHS and social care that are working so hard right now. And I also wanted to say thank you to those people that are re-joining our NHS at this time in our COVID-19 response.”

Praising those celebrities showing their support, Ruth said, “I know that messages of thanks and support mean a lot to our NHS staff, whenever they happen and whoever they come from – but for so many huge celebrities to go out of their way to show their appreciation will be an extra special boost, alongside the heart-warming displays of gratitude shown by the public.

“This is the biggest challenge the NHS has ever faced and celebrating those working hard to save lives every day is more important than ever, so I’m sure everyone will benefit from some uplifting music to keep spirits high right now.”